I stopped by two weeks ago for take out and tried the brisket and pork ribs. The meat had lots of smoke flavor, brisket was tender and tasty. The side of beans was okay but better when I added extra pieces of brisket. The choice of sweet coleslaw was awful. However, I was surprised at the "spicyness of the dry rub on the ribs though. I always like hot 'n' spicy food but not on my ribs. I had the opposite experience of "Grubber" with my ribs. They were smoked too long, they were black, overcooked and rather dry. I would go back for the brisket but not for the ribs.

In downtown Seal Beach, there is our favorite breakfast spot, Old Town Cafe, 562-430-4377, on Main Street a couple of blocks from the pier. Its open Christmas till 2pm. Good homemade style food, everything is excellent. Has been written up in the O.C. Register a number of times.

Decided to get away this weekend to Dana Point but we have to take our two small dogs with us. We will be staying at the Harbor Inn close to the harbor. Can you give us any suggestions for good eating places that allow dogs?

Thanks for your suggestions! HB ron

The Loft in Huntington Beach is, in my opinion, the best! However it is mainly just for take out unless you go to their sit down location in Cypress/Cerritos. In addition to all of their excellent entrees, they have killer bacon fried rice and a unique tasting macaroni salad that has tiny bits of potato in it. Beach and Warner, SW corner.